Swather



S pt. 9, 1952 A. "r. LINDQUIST 2,609,650

SWATHER Filed Aug. 4. 1948 4Sheets-Sheet' 1 August T. Lindqu/IsrINVEXTOR.

Sept. 9, 1952 A. T. LINDQUIST SWATHER 4 Sheets$heet 2 Filed Aug. 4. 194aAugust T. L indqu/sf S pt 9, 1 A. T. LINDQUIST ,609,650

SWATHER I i I l Div I.

i J v n, 1 I l I4? 40 August T. 61 5 BY m W MW Patented Sept. 9, .1952

"UNITED STATES :RATENT OFFICE SWATHER August T. Lindquist, Lancaster,Minn, assignor of one-fourth to Rudolph Nelson, one-fourth to SamuelElfstrom, and one-fourth to Joseph Leskiw, all of Lancaster, Minn.

4 Claims. 1

This invention appertains to novel and useful improvements in farmimplements.

A11 object of this invention is to propel an improved veh'icle through afield of flora, cutting the same as it is urged toward cutter bladesmounted on the vehicle by two distinct means, one of which is a pair ofbaflles around leading wheels of the tractor while the other'is aconventional reel; convey the cut flora or crop for windrowing in such amanner that it will rest between the front and rear wheels of theprope'l-led vehicle thereby resting in a protected manner.

Another object of this invention is to actuate a cutter mechanism, reeland supports for the reel and cutting mechanism (for adjustment) bymeans of a common iiuid impelling device, such as a pump, which is, inturn, actuated by a conventional engine mounted on the vehicle.

Another object of this invention is propel the vehicle from the samesource of fluid power and to reverse the actuation of the vehicle by asimple manipulation of a single valve.

Another object of this invention is to control the actuation of thefluid power means through the utility of a bank of conveniently locatedvalves mounted on the vehicle.

Another object of this invention is to render it very easy andconvenient to raise and lower various portions of the device, regulatethe actuation of others, and control the actual operation of the entirevehicle by relatively easy manipulation of selected valves convenientlylocated. Ancillary to this object, it is a purpose of the invention toobviate the necessity of rotating handwheels, pulling lever-s which aregenerally difficult to operate and coupling and uncoupling various nowwidely used fastening devices.

A still further object of this invention is to part the crop or flora bymeans of a forwardly extending pair of bafiles whereby the crop will notbe tamped by the leading wheels of the vehicle, the crop being parted intwo directions one of which is toward and into a cuttingmechanism whilethe other direction is harmles'sly to the side of the vehicle. 7

Another object of this invention is to pivotally mount a beam on theupper surface of a chassis of a vehicle with a reel at the end of thebeam, pivotally mount a frame to the undersurface of the vehiclechassis, which frame supports a cutting mechanism, a conveyor extendingtransversely thereof and terminating a distance from one side of theframe, and a plurality of baiiles which direct the crop in the desiredmanner.

Another object of this invention is to supply a pump driven by aninternal combustion engine associated with the vehicle with independentfluid motivated means communicated with the pump for actuatingrespectively the beam and frame pivotally, the reel rotatively, thecutting apparatus reciprocatively, and the conveyor continuously. i

Dependent from the previous object is the actuation of at least onewheel of the vehi cle by a means which is associated with the main pumpbut which has an independent means interposed between the main pump andthe one wheel (at least) which is used: for motivating the vehicle.

Another object of this invention'is to Supply a device of the characterto be described which is satisfactorily operative in various sub-combinati-ons of major elements, as by obviating various features andputting the resulting device to use as an implement other than a swatherand windrower.

Ancillary objects and features of novelty will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art, in following the description of a preferred form ofthe invention, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure l is a plan view partly broken away of the preferred form of theinvention;

Figure 2 is a side view of the invention shown in Figure l; v

Figure 3 is a front view-of the invention shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken substantially 1 on the line 44 ofFigure 1 and in the direction of the arrows, the bafiie being removedfor clarity and the view being drawn to a larger scale;

Figure 5 is a sectional view of the beam, frame and chassis structurewith the steering mechar. nism being illustrated in an operativeposition and the view being drawn to a larger scale;

Figure 6 is a sectional view taken on the line t5 of Figure 1 and in thedirection, of the arrows and drawn to a larger scale; and,

Figure 7 is a diagrammatic View showing the fluid flow pattern andvarious pertinent mechanism directly connected therewith.

Variousfarm implements are known and utilized continually in the art. Anindividual utilizing such implements for a relatively long period oftime finds himself rather tired not only because of the labor involvedin such operations but because of the constant pulling of levers,turning of wheels and other various adjustments necessary for efficient.swathing, windrowing, etc.

In order to attempt to materially lessen the burden of these adjustmentsand manipulations, the instant invention has within its purview theutility of a, completely fluid-actuated system for performing thesemanipulations.

In order to place a conventional farm implement vehicle in such adjustedcondition that it will move in a forward and reverse direction, it is inconventional machines necessary to disengage a clutch, force a gearratio change lever, again engage the clutch and then accelerate theprime mover or engine involved. Accordingly, it is one of the intentionsof the invention to obviate substantially all of these necessarymaneuvers by simply providing a single valve which is actuated in orderto reverse the flow in a fluid flow system conducting such fluid to afluid motor adjacent and driving at least one, two or even four wheelsof the vehicle.

Loss of grain due to the running over of the same is occasioned in useof many implements. Constructed herewith is an assemblage of elementswhereby two wheels (assume the right wheels) of the vehicle are alignedwhile the opposite two are out of alignment. Battles are providedadjacent the front wheels of the vehicle which direct the flora in twodirections, one of which is toward a cutting mechanism while the otherof which is toward the outside of the wider or front wheels. Thus, onlya very minor (comparatively) or small portion of the flora or crop istrampled by the wheel of the vehicle.

It will be noted that since two successive wheels are out of alignment,the front wheel span being wider than the rear wheel span, and since acutter mechanism is forwardly of the front wheels, an area is cutwhereby the non-aligned rear wheel will ride on ground which has had thecrop or flora cut and still leave an appreciable amount of space forwindrowing. Such are the benefits of non-alignment of only two wheels ofthe vehicle and with bafiles directing the flora or grain in the propermanner.

Vehicle structure A vehicle generally indicated at In is provided as thefoundation or base of the present device. This ehicle includes a chassisgenerally indicated at l2. The chassis has at one end thereof astructure for mounting a conventional radiator M with a conventionalinternal combustion engine E6, or prime mover thereadjacent. The usualfuel tank I8 may be supplied and attached to this structure by suitablebrackets. A pair of wheels 28 and 22, respectively, are slung from therear portion of the chassis I2 by any suitable means, the braces 24being utilized for illustrative purposes. The said wheels 20 and 22 arethe turning wheels in order to steer the entire vehicle ID and are atthe rear portion of the vehicle.

A suitable seat 26 may be attached to the chassis [2 forward of theengine and facing the normal direction of movement of the vehicle.

A support which includes a dash 28 and bracing members 30 is attachedforward of the seat 26 to the chassis l2 and serves many functions. Oneof the functions of the support is to pivotally mount a beam indicatedgenerally at 32 while another function is to mount a bank of selectorvalves and a steering column 34.

In order to steer the rear wheels 20 and 22 of the vehicle, a steeringrod 35 forming a portion of the steering column 34 is supplied with asuitable gear 38 at one end thereof. The column 36 may be mounted bymeans of a bracket 40 attached to the dash or another suitableanchorage. A counter-shaft 42 is'mounted in spaced brackets 44 and 46which are, in turn, attached to a suitable housing 48, whichincidentally covers all of the gear mechanism associated with thisportion of the steering apparatus. This housing 48 may be termed a gearbox.

The said counter-shaft 42 has bevelled gears 50 and 52, respectively, ateach end thereof, the said gear 50 engaging the gear 38 while the saidgear 52 is enmeshed with another bevelled gear 54. This last-mentionedbevelled gear attaches to a suitable shaft 56 which has a drag link 58attached at the opposite end thereof (see Figure 3). The said drag linkattaches to a tie rod 68 which has turning arms 62 and 64, respectively,attached thereto by means of a pivotal connection. The said turning armsare, of course, associated with each wheel 20 and 22 by means ofintermediate structure (unshown) in order to steer or turn the rearwheels 20 and 22 of the vehicle.

The chassis of the vehicle has included among its other structures apair of diverging structural members 66 and 68, respectively, which mayhave a suitable strengthening element 18, any practical number of whichmay be used. This strengthening element extends across the vehiclechassis transversely and connects with the divergent members 66 and 68.At the ends of the said diverging members front wheels 12 and 1'4,respectively, are suitably journalled. It is noted that the wheel 12 andthe wheel 22 follow the same track or path while the vehicle is inmovement since these wheels are aligned. However, the wheels 20 and 14,respectively, are not in alignment, the wheel 20 being inwardly of thevehicle a substantial amount with relation to the wheel 14.

Attached to the chassis l2, and more specifically at the ends of thedivergent members 88 and 68, is a pair of bafiles I6 and I8,respectively. The said baffle 76 is identical to the baflie I8 and willbe described in detail. It extends forwardly of its pertinent wheel 12and has smoothly curved sides. At the leading or front edge of thebaflle 16 the smoothly curved sides are flared to a point near theground. The leading edge as it progresses upwardly flares outwardly inorder to urge flora of any type (depending on the crop) not only inhorizontal directions but also downwardly. This downward thrust of thecrop urges it into a cutting mechanism which will be described elsewherein the description. It also urges the crop into a rotating reelappropriately located for urgin the grain into the reciprocating cuttingapparatus or mechanism. In order to mount both baffles a suitablebracket 80 may be associated with each which attaches to the frame bymeans of rivets or the like at a convenient location.

Beam and reel Structural elements 82 and 84, respectively, havingsuitable strengthening cross members 86 are provided and are termed abeam seen at 32 in Figure 2. This beam is attached at one end to thesupport and, more specifically, to the support members 30 in a pivotalmanner. Suitable, conventional pivot pins may be used in thisconnection.

The said beam 32 extends forwardly of the vehicle and terminates infront of the said wheels 12 and 14. Mounted at the ends of thestructural elements 82 and 84 and, consequently, at the end of the beam32 is a conventional reel generally indicated at 81. This reel has theusual center shaft 88 as well as the. various radially extending arms inorder to mount the paddles Bil thereon.

Provided as an extension at the ends of the converging structuralmembers 82 and 6d are substantially parallel portions 92 and 94 whichactually form a portion of the beam and form a sound structure from anengineering viewpoint. A similar condition is present in the chassisstructure at the ends of the diverging structural members 66 and 68.

A ram, preferably of the piston-cylinder type, seen at 96 is used forthe purpose of raising and lowering the beam pivotally. Due to thepivotal movement of the beam 32, and since the piston-cylinder structureis spaced from the pivot point of the beam, it is necessary that theentire piston-cylinder structure be pivotally mounted, and for thisstructure attention is directed to Figure '7. It is proposed to utilizeperches 98, Q8 which are spaced slightly from each other and to depend abracket IUil therebetween. By

utility of the conventional pivot pin I36 through the perches and thebracket I00, the bracket and, consequently, the cylinder structure whichis firmly attached to the bracket, is pivotally associated with thechassis I2. Of course, the piston rod I92 may have a U-shaped bearingits at the end thereof in order topivotally attach to one of the crossstiffening members 85.

Cutting apparatus, conveyor, and frame for support thereof A framegenerally indicated at IBfi is provided under the chassis I2. This frameincludes longitudinally extending structural members I88 and I It,respectively, with a side member I I2 attached to the structural memberI I6. As is seen in Figure 2, the frame is generally arcuate shaped andis pivotally mounted at one end thereof to depending brackets I I4 whichare secured to the undersurface of the chassis I2. The said frame has astructural bed formed at the forward end thereof which includes variousmembers Ht rigidly attached together as by welding, braising or thelike. It is in this bed at the forward portion of the frame IE8 that anendless conveyor generally indicated at I I3 is suitably journalled. Thesaid endless conveyor has a live shaft I26 at one end thereof and anidler shaft at the opposite end thereof. is journalled in two members ofthe bed as is the idler shaft in connection with the endless conveyor. Asuitable conveyor belt which may be latticed extends around rollersmounted on the shafts.

Inspection of Figure 1 discloses that the endless conveyor terminatesadjacent one side of the frame I05 and at a distance from the oppositeside thereof. This, of course, leaves the space whereby flora may beconveyed laterally across the frame Illt but not the full distance.Thus, grain may be deposited in the track-way formed between thetravelling wheel 29 and wheel M.

The cutter mechanism is of a conventional reciprocatory type, includinga stationary cutter bar I22 mounted on one of the frame bed members H6and a sliding cutting bar I24 suitably positioned in association withthe stationary cutting element I22. Means for reciprocating the movablecutting bar I24 among other structure includes a small bracket I25 whichdepends therefrom and a piston rod I28 which is pivotally associatedtherewith.

The cutting apparatus is positioned forwardly of the endless conveyorand substantially im- The said live shaft I213 mediately below therotating reel. Thus, grain or other type flora may be urged downwardlyby the rotating reel, into the actual cutter apparatus, after which itis conveyed on the endless conveyer in the manner described above.

.Meansfor pivotally actuating and thus raising and lowering the frame I06 is provided. The preferable means consists of a cylinder, among otherstructure, seen. at I30, with a piston and piston rod I32reciprocatively mounted therein. For this structure attention isdirected to Figure '7 where it is obvious that a bracket I34 is rigidlyattached to the cylinder I38 and has the pivot ,pin I36 extendingtherefrom. As is shown diagrammatically in Figure 7, the piston andcylinder structure inv this instance is pivotally mounted, and as isshown in, reality in Figure 5, the pivot pin I36 mounts both the bracketIiiil and the bracket I34, commonly. The perches 9%, Q8" are common toboth of the brackets, this being a structural expedient to reduceexpense, cost of production and render the device compact. The saidperches 98, 9'8 areattached rigidly to a cross member I39 of the saidchassis I2. The

piston rod has a bearing I40 at one end thereof accommodating a pivotpin I 42 which attaches across suitable portions of the frame IIIS,thereby rendering it possible to actually pivotally raise and lower thesaid frame.

Vehicle motive means In order to actually impart movement to thevehicle, at least-one of the wheelsis provided with the followingstructure:

A wheel (72 for illustrative purposes) has the usual hub I45 associatedtherewith with a ring gear I48 rigidly attached therein. This ring gearhas a pinion I43 enmeshed therewith, and the said pinion is attached toa shaft I5Il. The said shaft I59 terminates in a fluid motor generallyindicated at I52 for imparting torque to the shaft and, consequently,rotative movement to the drum I 45.

The said hub may have a boss I54; rigidly attached thereto but in'adetachable fashion, and a Wheel spindle I56 is mounted .in the boss I53. A castle-nut I58 backed by suitable thrust bearings (unnumbered) maybe interposed between a portion of the chassis l2 and the castle-nut orthe like in order to maintain the spindle in position. Of course, it iswithin the purview of the invention to attach the spindle rigidly to theframe at the appropriate place and simply mount the hub I 45 and bossI54 thereon through the medium of conventional wheel bearings.

It is noted by inspection of Figure 4 that all that is necessary toremove the entire wheel and hubfrom operative association with theremainder of the vehicle is to remove the lug nuts and/or lugs, andslide the ring gear from its enmeshed relation with the pinion.

If it is found advantageous, desirable or necessary in certaininstances, the two wheels '52 and M, respectively, may be provided withsimilar structure, and it is also within the purview of the invention tosupply the wheels 29 and 22 with a driving mechanism, this being amatter of expediency.

Fluid flow and control apparatus Attention is vnow directed to Figure '7for adiagrammatic representation of the meansfor actuating the framepivotally; the beam pivotally; the reel rotatively; the cutterreciprocatively; and

the driving Wheel or wheels rotatively in either the clockwise orcounter-clockwise direction.

A positive displacement pump I60 is shown with two shafts I62 and I64,respectively, associated therewith. The shafts extend through a suitablehousing I66 which has appropriate body openings to accommodate the gearsI68 and H of the positive or constant displacement gear pump. One of theshafts is attached to the crank shaft of the engine I6 whence torque isderived.

A pipe H2 is attached to the inlet side of the pump I60 and to areservoir I14 which accommodates a supply of liquid. An outlet conduitI16 attaches to the outlet port or side of the main pump I60 andterminates in a pressure manifold I18. A conduit I80 leading from thepressure manifold terminates ina plenum chamber I94, and a check valveI06 is interposed in this lastmentioned conduit I00. A lead extendingfrom the opposite end of the plenum chamber and indicated at I 0'!connects with the reservoir, thereby forming a complete circuit. Fluidmay be pumped by means of the pump I60 from the reservoir to thepressure manifold, then through the check valve and conduit associatedtherewith, whence the fluid extends through the plenum chamber and backinto the reservoir. This recirculation is used frequently in variousmanipulations of valves to be described subsequently.

There are six manually operative core valves provided in the system,indicated respectively at I86, I90, I92, I94, I96, and I98 operative byhandles I88, I90, I92, I94, I96, I90, respectively. Each of the valvesserves a specific function in relation to the fluid flow system and thevalve I88 and its appurtenant mechanism will be described at this time.A lead 200 extends from the plenum chamber I84 and terminates in theport (unnumbered) provided in the valve for this purpose. The core I00"of this valve has a substantially T-shaped passage therein in order toselectively communicate the pipe or conduit 202 and 204, respectively,with the conduit 200 and also to communicate the conduits 202 and 204with each other. It is ob vious that simple manipulation of handle I89connected with the core I88" of the valve I88 will serve this purposeand function.

The conduit 202 extends to an opening in the cylinder of thecylinder-piston construction 96 in order to conduct fluid from thepressure manifold I18 through the conduit 204, through the valve I88 andthen to the cylinder. This, of course, urges the piston rod I02 from thecylinder and raises the beam 32. When the beam is in the desiredelevated position, the valve core is turned slightly manually cutting01f flow from the pump I60 to the cylinder-piston structure I6. When thevalve core I86" is turned further, the passages align in such a manneras to allow fluid to return from the piston-cylinder structure 96 to theplenum chamber. Further rotation communicates the conduit 204 and theconduit 202 to allow recirculation from the pump I60 through thepressure manifold, through the conduit 204, thence through the pipe 200and into the plenum chamber. Of course, the weight of the beam is usedto advantage in this connection to force the fluid from thepiston-cylinder structure seen at 96 in lowering the same.

Referring now to the valve I90, a conduit 206 extends from the plenumchamber to the inlet side of the valve I90. Substantially T-shapedpassages are provided in the core I90" of the valve to align conduits208 and 2I0 as well as the pipe 206 in various manners. The mannerismsof alignment are identical to those described in connection with thevalve I80.

In this structure fluid may extend through the pressure manifold (whichis charged by the pump), through the pipe 2I0, through the passages ofthe valve core and then through the conduit 208 which terminates in thecylinder I30. Thus, the piston rod I32 may be raised by means of thefluid reacting on the piston rod side of the piston head (valve settingas seen in Figure '7) until such time that the frame is in the desiredelevated position.

When it is desired to maintain the frame in the selected position, thevalve core I" is turned by handle I90 slightly shutting off all passagesin the valve I90. In order to drain the liquid from the cylinder I30,the valve core I90" is rotated slightly until the conduits 206 and 209are communicated with each other. The weight of the frame and themechanism carried thereby forces the fluid in this instance.

For recirculation the valve core I90" is turned slightly further,thereby communicating the conduits 2I0 and 206 and permitting thecharged (under pressure) fluid in the pressure manifold to flowharmlessly through the valve and into the plenum chamber.

The valve I92 diifers in structure slightly from the previouslydescribed valves in that the passage in the core I92" thereof isstraight. The conduit or line 2I0 extends from the pressure manifold andcommunicates with the inlet side of the valve I92. When the valve coreI92" is in a position as shown in Figure 7, fluid will extend throughthe said valve I 92 and into the conduit 2I2 which terminates in a valvehousing 2. The core 2I6 within the valve chamber of the housing 2I4 hassubstantially parallel passages 2I8 and 220 therein, and there are fourports formed in the valve housing 2I4. These four ports may be radiallypositioned, one accommodating the conduit 2I2, while an opposed portaccommodates the conduit 222. Extending substantially normal to thealigned or opposed ports is another pair of aligned ports having pipesor conduits 224 and 226, respectively in communication therewith.

This particular valve structure with the valve housing 2 I4 and core 2I6is of the rotating type, the core constantly rotating in a singledirection by any suitable means which may be operatively connected withthe engine I6 or the pump I60. Fluid from the pressure manifold I18entering the valve housing 2I4 through the medium of the conduit 2 I2 isdirected selectively into the conduits 224 and 226 by alignment of thepassages 2I8 and 220, first with the conduit 2I2 and the conduit 224 andthen with the conduit 2I2 and the conduit 226.

When fluid is introduced into the cylinder 230 having the piston 232with the piston rod I 28 (also see Figure 3) therein, the piston rod isurged in a single direction which happens to be in this instanceoutwardly of the c linder 230. The fluid which would normally be trappedabove the piston must have an exit, and, therefore, it is urged throughthe conduit 226 and into the conduit 222 through the me-' dium of thepassage 220 formed in the valve core which constantly rotates and whichis seen at 2I6.

On the other hand, when the conduit 2I2 is communicated with the conduit226, the fluid The said conduit 222, as. is seen in Figure 7,

follows a devious travel but terminates. in the plenum chamberforrecirculation.

When the. valve core I92" in the valve I92 is rotated. slightlyrecirculation with regard to main pump. I69 is permitted through variousother conduits previously described. Of course,

if it. is found desirable to have a recirculation system in. conjunctionwith the fluid motor formed by the rotating valve structure-and thepiston 232-cylinderl 23,0 structure, another. con-.- duit and port maybe. formed in associationwith the valve I92 which leads to the. plenumcha m-.- ber and the valve core I92" in the valve I92 may be providedwith a T-shaped channel or passage identical with the valve structuresseen at I88 and I98, respectively.

Attention is now directed to the valve. struo: ture seen at I94, whichis identical in itself to that seen in I92 and described above. A con.-duit 238 extends from the pressure manifold to the inlet side of thevalve structure I94, and a conduit 238 extends from the outlet side ofthe valve structure I94, terminating in a fluid motor inlet, the fluidmotor being designated at 2.40. The utility of the fluid motor is toactuate the conveyor mechanism (see Figure 1). The .drive shaft of thesaid fluid motor 240 connects .di-, rectly with the live shaft I foractuation thereof, thereby motivating the endless conveyor belt which ispositioned thereon. This fluid motor may be of the gear type, or if itis found desirable, the fluid motor may be of the vane or impeller type,this being a matter of choice.

A conduit 242 extends, from the said fluid motor 2&9 and terminates inthe plenum chamber Hid. Fluid under pressure from the pressure manifoldmay flow through the substantially straight passage in the valve coreI94 of the valve structure I94 and actuate the fluid motor forsubsequent actuation of the endless conveyor l I3. After the said fluidin the fluid motor has served its purpose, it may flow through theconduit 2&2 into the plenum chamber for recirculation by the main pumpIEO. When the valve core IQ" in the valve structure I94 isturned a smallamount, the said conduit 238 does not receive liquid from the pressuremanifold, the fluid simply recirculating through the conduit Idii, thecheck valve I86 and into the plenum chamber I84.

Attention is now directed to the valve I96 which has at its inlet side aconduit 246 extending from the pressure manifold in order to conductfluid through the valve structure. The straight passage is provided inthe core I98" of valve I 56 as in the valve structures of I 92 and I94,respectively. A conduit 248 extends from the opposite side of the valvestructure in order to permit fluid toflow into a second fluid motor Thisfluid motor maybe of any conventional type and is utilized for thepurpose of actuating the reel .81. A check valve 252 serv ing its usualand conventional function is interposed in the line 254, which isattached to the outlet side of the fluid motor 250 at one end thereofand to theple' umchamber I85. at the othe r end I;I 1e ,ri3 i)i. T if iY The. said main "shaft Ht-of the. reel is inte rally associated withth'efrot'orishaftiof the, fl dj motor by anysuitablemeanssuch as acoupling 256 for imparting rotativemdveliihhtb the reel.

Asfluid flows fro'rn'the'ipres l re manifold. it is allowed twoalternativesi "Ijh'e fil St'is to flow through the passage aligning theconduits 256 and 248, under which conditions the fluid motor 259 isactuated and the exhaust fluid received in the plenum chamber forrecirculation. The other alternative is to turn the valve' core I96" aslight amount, thereby cutting off 'the'source of power to the fluid"motor 250'and 'permitting v uid simply to recirculate throughthe'condui-t Edd, check valVe-ISBIahd plenum chamber. Referring to thefinal valve of "this series I98, it will be seen thata conduit orpipe260 attaches t the pres ure manifoldand to" theinlet side of thevalve structure I98." The passage which is in the valve core I 98;"is"'substantially 's'traig'htand maybe in the form of a slot or a bore.'A'seco'nd conduit 262 attaches to the outlet side of the valvestructure I98 and terminates-in a reversing valve mechanismgenerallyindicated' at 264 and operated by ahandle 264. 'A' set ofopposed ports'are provided in thisreversing valve structure whi'h areindicated at 266 andZSi}, respectively. The conduit 126-2'interc'ommuni'cates with the port 265, while the port 2S8 has'apipe orconduit 210 attachedthereto, terminating-in the plenum chamber.

The valve-core 212, which is rotatively received in the valve chamber ofthe housing 2-'I4 of the saidv valve structure-264'; has anu'mbe'r ofchordal passages therein, two of w hich are' indicated at 216. and,2'I8, respectively.

Fl id from the pressure manifold throughthe valve structure 198 extendsthroughforieof the passages 216, for'illustrative purposes, therebyintercommunica in the conduit 262 more conduit or line .280; Thus, fluidfrom the pressure manifold. when the reversing-valve structure 264 isinthe position as shown in iggie-7", flows'to a fluid motor which may ofanysuitable type seen at [.52 and also in Figure-"4. Itfi's noted thatthe conduit 28B communicates with one-side of-the fluid motor I52 "inorder tourge tractaat h mmn 1.4 m prede mi e eg ie The exhaust fluidfrom the'flui'd motor-' IEZ' then extends through the outlet side orotl''er 'sid lef thefluid motor I5 2 andi-through-a conduit w i whichterminates in communication With "a port 2535. This last-mentionedjport'is suppl'ie nfthe said housing ,74 In thesettingjof thevalve 286 i.asshown in Figure T the said passe-gem commun cates diree l r i'bh the pij 2' thereby allowing exhaust (in this instants) fluid to returnthrough the line 233 into" the ple'ni'iiri chamber or'recirtflle zn fWhen it' isdc ird to'jreverse thedirection of rotation of thejfluidmotpr' I5 2, the harem is rotated through ,an angle of substantial1y thehandle 26 therebvplacine h p ss 73 andi2l8. respctivelmgin :thepositiond shown-in dotted lines. In that eyent'the intake line 262 forthe valve structure 2% communicates "with "the conduit 234' .through'ithe medium t e passa'g'e 216, thereby introducing fluid intoth 'fiuidinotor. This introduction is at the'side or pc'rt which was. formerlythe outlet side but "has-riov been transposed to the inlet side.Accordingly, rotat nb the .dri eshg ilt en ic hfl e l il ion I49'is'inja direction opposite thatuh'dr the 1 1 different valve setting.Exhaust fluid then flows through the line 280, through the passage 21Band then through the conduit 2'"! into the plenum chamber for subsequentrecirculation.

By this means direction of rotation of the pinion I49 is easily andconveniently reversed, thereby urging the wheel associated with thepinion M9 in selected directions.

Operation Upon actuation of the vehicle through a crop which includesflora or other substance adaptable for harvesting including swathing andwindrowing, various individual operations and sub-operations arerealized. The initial operation is to urge the growing crop in such amanner that it will contact the cutting edges of the cutter mechanism.Accordingly, the bafiles l6 and I8 operate effectively upon movement ofthe vehicle through the field or crop. The reel being locatedimmediately above the cutter apparatus also urge the crop downwardly andtoward the cutter mechanism.

In the event that certain types of crop desired to be cut or for otherreasons, the cutter mechanism should be raised a predetermined distanceabove the ground, simple manipulation of the valve handle associatedwith the valve structure I90 is all that is necessary to set the fluidflow system into motion in this connection. Then, the cutter mechanismis raised as described hereinbefore.

In order to regulate the distance of the paddles E of the reel from theactual cutting mechanism, manipulation of the valve operating handle188' associated with the valve mechanism 188 is all that i necessary toset the fluid flow mechanism into operation which is pertinent to thisportion of the device. Then, the beam 32 is selectively raised andlowered as desired, carrying with it the reel.

In the main, flexible conduits are used for the reason that there are afew pivotal movements necessary for the effective operation of thedevice, and complicated gearing and linkages are obviated by thisexpedient.

For actuation of the actual reel and the actual cutter mechanism, allthat is necessary is to actuate a valve handle setting forth the variousindividual fluid actuated mechanisms to serve this purpose.

It may be desirable to move the device forward and backward selectively,and, accordingly, manipulation of the valve handle 264 associated withthe valve structure 264 in the manner suggested above is all that isnecessary.

After the grain or other flora has been cut, the reel accompanied by theforward motion of the vehicle urges the cut grain or the like on theendless conveyor seen at H8 which is set in motion simply by rotating avalve core by a handle, thereby carrying the cut grain into the areadefined by the edge of the frame adjacent the wheel M and the closestend of the endless conveyor.

Inspection of Figure 1 discloses that only a portion of the cut grainwill fall on the conveyor to be stacked on the other portion which iscut and does not fall on the said endless conveyor. Otherwise spoken, aportion of the grain is cut by the cutter mechanism and urged downwardlyinto a row untouched by the wheels 14 and 20. Then, the other portion ofthe grain simultaneously cut by means of the cutter mechanism is urgedon top of this said first-mentioned cut grain, thereby forming a rowwhich will not be effected or 12 touched by the wheels 20 and 14'. orcourse, the wheels on the other side of the vehicle are not pertinent tothis portionof the operation as they arespaced a considerable distancefrom the row formed by the conveyor movement and operation.

In a single cycle of operation of the vehicle in a field, it will beseen that the wheel 12 has the wheel 22 following in substantially thesame track. The grain or other flora immediately ertinent this movementand in this particular path is brushed aside by means of the baffle 16.Accordingly, only a very minor and small portion of the grain isinjured. A row of cut grain is formed, as described above, after it iscarried off of the endless conveyor I18. Thus, the resulting field aftera single pass of the device over the field will have a row of cut grainwith an opening in the field somewhat smaller than the width of theentire vehicle. By placing the baflle 18 adjacent the yet growing orstanding grain or other flora, a second path may be cut in the field anda second row of cut flora or crop formed in the field. Upon completionof the cutting operations for the entire field, substantially straightrows of crop are found which may easily be removed by other conventionalapparatus such as a baler.

Of course, brakes and other conventional apparatus may be applied to thedevice as desired. Also, other variations may be made without departingfrom the spirit of the invention.

Having described the invention, what is claimed as new is:

l. A swather comprising a chassis havingwheels and an engine mountedthereon, a frame pivotally attached to and disposed beneath said chassisand a flora cutting apparatus mounted on said frame, an upstandingsupport secured to said chassis and a beam pivotally secured to saidsupport and disposed above said chassis, a reel mounted for rotation onsaid beam, a pump actuated by the prime mover, a fluid motor foractuating said reel, a conduit connecting said pump and said motor, avalve in said conduit, means connected with said pump for actuating saidcutting apparatus including a fluid motor, pipes extendingfrom saidfluid motor, a flow reversing valve secured to said last-mentioned fluidmotor, and a conduit connectin said pump and said flow reversing valve.

2. A swather comprising a chassis having wheels and an engine mountedthereon, a frame pivotally attached to and disposed below said chassisand a flora cutting apparatus mounting on said frame, an upwardlyextending support secured to said chassis and a beam pivotally securedto said support and disposed above said chassis, a reel mounted forrotation on said beam, a pump actuated by the prime mover, a fluid motorfor actuating said reel, a conduit connecting said pump and said motor,a valve in said conduit, means connected with said pump for actuatingsaid cutting apparatus including a fluid motor, pipes extendingfrom saidfluid motor, a flow reversing valve secured to said last-mentioned fluidmotor, and a conduit connecting said pump and said flow reversing valve,a conveyor secured to and extending partially across said frame, andfluid actuated means motivated by said pump for activating saidconveyor, including a conduit and manual fluid flow control means insaid conduit.

3. Ina farm implement which includes a chassis, an engine, wheelsmounted on said chassis, a beam pivoted to the upper portion of thechassis and having a fluid motor actuated reel rotatively mountedthereon, a frame pivotally mounted on the under portion of said chassisand having a fluid motor actuated cutter mechanism and a fluid motoractuated conveyor attached thereto, rams attached to said chassis andsaid frame and beam, respectively, to raise and lower said frame andbeam, a pump mounted on said chassis and actuated by the engine, andconduits connecting said pump and said rams, the motor actuated reel andcutter and conveyor.

4. A swather comprisinga wheel supported chassis, a beam pivotallymounted thereon and extending forwardly thereof and longitudinally overthe same, a frame pivotally mounted thereunder and extending forwardlythereof and longitudinally under the same, a reel mounted for rotationon said beam, a reciprocatory cutting apparatus mounted on said frame, aconveyor mounted on said frame and extending partially across saidframe, an engine mounted on said chassis and a pump driven by saidengine, and

14 independent fluid motivated means communicated with said pump foractuating respectively said beam, frame, reel, cutting apparatus andconveyor.

AUGUST T. LINDQUIST.

REFERENCES CITED T The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS

